Twenty-five year old Kinsley Bingham left his New York home in 1833 saying: "Give me $500 and let me go to Michigan and I'll be governor in two years." He settled here, constructing this handsome Greek Revival house in 1842. Bingham's boast was not . . . — — Map (db m107539) HM
This was once the summer camp of Michigan's National Guard. Here in 1898 the five regiments which were recruited in the state during the war with Spain were organized. Ten men volunteered for every one who could be accepted. Two of the units, the . . . — — Map (db m107555) HM
Around 1855, Timothy and Lucretia Warner built this Greek Revival farmhouse. Timothy (1819-1900) migrated from Livonia, New York, to Brighton Township in 1837. He was credited with helping organize and name the township later that year. In 1841 he . . . — — Map (db m231249) HM
The Congregational Church of Tyrone, grew out of the Methodist Episcopal church that organized here in 1845. Itinerant ministers called circuit riders served what was known as the Tyrone or Cranston Class. In 1874 the class split over where to build . . . — — Map (db m178131) HM
Tyrone Township was settled in 1834, and Joseph M. Becker was elected as the first township supervisor in 1838. Township meetings were held in the homes of the townsfolk until 1887, when this hall was erected on Hartland Road at a cost of $640. . . . — — Map (db m178108) HM
The Reverend Charles G. Clarke of Washtenaw County led eleven people in organizing the First Presbyterian Church in Unadilla on February 4, 1837. It was the township’s first religious society. The congregation met in a schoolhouse until a brick . . . — — Map (db m171698) HM
The Plainfield Methodist Protestant Church formally organized on June 7, 1863. The present church building dedicated on January 27, 1907, replaced the first church, built in 1868, which burned when it was struck by lightning in 1906. In 1939 the . . . — — Map (db m192115) HM
Baseline Cemetery was established on April 14, 1837. The custom of burning the cemetery grass before Memorial Day blackened and weakened the limestone monuments and many others were destroyed during the tornado of 1914. Since no records were kept, . . . — — Map (db m171685) HM
In the early 1830s, many New England homesteaders moved west towards the Territory of Michigan in search of fertile land close to a river or stream. Many traveled by boat along the Erie Canal and then inland on existing Anishinaabe trails.
. . . — — Map (db m202037) HM
Hamburg
The year 1831 marked the arrival of Hamburg's first settlers--Felix Dunlavey, Jesse Hall, Calvin Jackson, Cornelius Miller and Herman Lake--and their families. In 1835, Ann Arbor merchant E.F. Gay and Amariah Hammond purchased thirty . . . — — Map (db m50165) HM
This building is one of the oldest Episcopal churches in Michigan. St. Stephen's parish was organized in 1844, and construction of the church began almost immediately. Hiram Raymond of Hamburg was the contractor, and building funds were solicited in . . . — — Map (db m67453) HM
Everything changed when the trains came to Hamburg in the 1880s.
The village had been connected to neighboring towns only by old Native American trails and dirt roads. Travel was slow and difficult on foot, horse or wagon, and village . . . — — Map (db m168379) HM
The Hotel brought the world to the little village of Hamburg.
Built in 1835 beside Horsehoe Creek, it sheltered many early settlers to the region and, by 1850, visitors coming to enjoy hunting and fishing in the woods and lakes. Two . . . — — Map (db m168152) HM
Hartland Township was settled in 1831. On this site distinguished early citizens Robert and Chauncey Crouse operated a general mercantile business. In 1891 this town hall was built. The hall later served as a fire station and center for community . . . — — Map (db m178052) HM
The first burial in this cemetery occurred in 1840 upon the death of Thomas Hall, a Hartland Township pioneer. Chauncey L. and Robert C. Crouse, who platted the village of Hartland in 1842, transferred approximately two acres of the original . . . — — Map (db m178056) HM
This structure was constructed in 1858 as the Hartland First Congregational Church. It was purchased in 1929 for $500 by the Hartland Consolidated School Foundation, established by John Robert Crouse, Sr. In 1932 the remodeled building became the . . . — — Map (db m178054) HM
Little is known to the living who walk above us. Yes, they come to visit a loved one or that special someone just to make themselves happy, to remember us as we once were. Oh, to always be 18 or 20 or to have lived a much longer life and choose . . . — — Map (db m211163) WM
Howell raised $20,000 in 1885 to induce the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Northern Michigan to enter town. Many believed the town, already served by one railroad, would boom with a second line. Early in 1886 a right-of-way dispute erupted in an armed brawl . . . — — Map (db m107759) HM
Albert E. French designed this two-and-a-half story brick and stone building. This edifice, completed in 1890, shows influence of Richardsonian architecture and has maintained many of its original Victorian furnishings. Peter and Maria Cowdry . . . — — Map (db m107800) HM
This “House of Seven Gables” was built in 1886-87 by the farm family of Frank J. and Ada Hecox. A plastered brick wall in the basement is inscribed with Frank Hecox’s initials and the date 1887. The Hecox family left the area by 1900, and Ada sold . . . — — Map (db m174718) HM
This c. 1846 Greek Revival house, among Howell's oldest, was home to prominent citizen George W. Lee (1812-1882). Lee moved from New York State to Michigan in 1836. A businessman and public servant, Lee helped establish the Republican Party in 1854 . . . — — Map (db m107753) HM
The Howell library association originated as the Ladies Library Association in 1875. That year, the ladies began offering books for lending. The need for spacious, permanent quarters grew, and in 1902, for three hundred dollars and railroad . . . — — Map (db m107873) HM
Waddell Woman's Relief Corps
in memory of and dedicated to Waddell Post
No. 120. G.A.R. and all Veterans of Livingston
Co. who served in the war of '61-'65
"They fought to save US a Nation" — — Map (db m182475) WM
The Livingston County Press, one of Michigan's oldest weekly newspapers, traces its roots to The Livingston Courier, The Livingston Republican and The Livingston Democrat. The Courier, established in 1843, was . . . — — Map (db m107830) HM
Honor Roll
A Tribute To The
656 Heroic Ones
Who Served Their Country
* 1914 * World War * 1919 *
In Memoriam
Floyd Howard Abrams • Leon Ellsworth Allen • John Avis • William Edward Brimley • Jesse Barton Cooley . . . — — Map (db m182476) WM
During the 1830s a number of Irish Catholic settlers migrated from New York State to Deerfield and Tyrone Townships, drawn by the prospect of purchasing inexpensive land. When they arrived there was no parish to serve them. In 1843 Father Patrick . . . — — Map (db m176612) HM
Irish immigrants founded a Catholic mission in Livingston County in 1843. The following year, two acres of land were purchased here and a log structure was erected for worship services. As the congregation grew it required a larger facility, and a . . . — — Map (db m107751) HM
Huron River: Why dam it?
Dams serve a variety of purposes. The Kent Lake Dam was built in 1947, but why? The answer comes from the "when". On the Huron River, from 1910 to 1940, power generation was the goal. From 1944 to 1970, most dams . . . — — Map (db m156415) HM
Before the existence of Kensington Metropark, Detroit journalist, poet and labor leader Jo Labadie chose this site to get away from the "noise and hurry-up of the big town." He and his wife built a house, barn, printshop, and henhouse. Because of . . . — — Map (db m185009) HM
Founded in 1884, Anderson began as a train depot along the newly built Grand Trunk Western Railroad route. A community grew around it, and, at its peak, Anderson had a post officce, cheese factory and farmers store that sold dry goods, groceries . . . — — Map (db m202579) HM
[The Village of Pinckney]...is in the midst of one of the finest and already best settled agricultural districts in the state, and is already the natural center of business for not less than two hundred or three hundred families. . . . — — Map (db m202547) HM
From 1883 to 1886, the Grand Trunk Western and Ann Arbor & Toledo Railroads laid tracks here. Soon after, the first hotels and resorts were built on the Huron River's Chain of Lakes. Throughout the early 1900s, people left the heat and industry . . . — — Map (db m202209) HM
The Humpback Bridge used to be here,
crossing the Grand Trunk Railway. The narrow wooden span was built in 1900 to carry vehicles on state route M-36 over the Grand Trunk Railway line (now the Lakeland Trail). Unsuited to . . . — — Map (db m202504) HM
The Potawatomi and Wyandot lived along the river Giwitatigweisibi, known today as the Huron River. They traveled the waterway in birchbark canoes as they caught fish, harvested wild rice or bartered with other tribes. Lightweight canoes were easy . . . — — Map (db m202076) HM
Ice harvesting was the major winter activity
in Hamburg Township for over thirty years. Until electrical refrigeration became common in the 1940s, food was best preserved during warmer months in "iceboxes" with ice blocks . . . — — Map (db m202142) HM
Train wrecks were a constant worry
in Hamburg Township, though they were not common. Accidents jolted communities around the world as trains became common in the 1800s. In fact, worldwide time zones were established, in part, . . . — — Map (db m202465) HM
This unique 2-sided mural illustrates Livingston County's rich connection with the outdoors. Take the time to explore the different elements that combine to make this mural native to this area. The blue heron, wild turkey and bobcat blend in . . . — — Map (db m67280) HM
Courthouse Square
Historic District
has been placed on the
National Register of
Historic Places
by the United States
Department of [the] Interior
October 16, 2002 — — Map (db m156943) HM
Side A:
On rolling land above the Grand, and between Thompson River and Medicine Creek, Chillicothe was laid out in 1837 as seat of newly organized Livingston County. The name is for Edward Livingston, U. S. Secy. of State, and the town . . . — — Map (db m55364) HM
Chillicothe was the home to the Chillicothe Business College from 1890 through the early 1950s. The College developed a campus on Chillicothe's northwest side and offered a variety of professional and occupational training programs for a student . . . — — Map (db m66732) HM
Allen Moore, Sr. founded the Chillicothe Normal School and Business Institute in 1890. His desire to locate in Chillicothe was due to the progressive spirit he saw in the citizens of the town.
The city agreed to purchase the site and . . . — — Map (db m67309) HM
This mural, painted in April 1994, depicts the newly remodeled lobby of Citizens Bank & Trust circa 1907. Citizen's [sic] Bank was established in 1889 and has served Chillicothe and the surrounding area for over 100 years.
Kelly Poling, . . . — — Map (db m67261) HM
Dr. Simpson and his wife, Alta, made a gift in 1926 to the City of Chillicothe of the former 21 acre fair grounds for a public park. They wanted to provide a suitable playground for the children, as well as a useful park for all the citizens of . . . — — Map (db m201769) HM
Created from an original painting by Fred Irvin, this scene portrays a pre-World War I Chillicothe setting. The Milwaukee [Road] Depot (demolished in 1977) serves as a backdrop for period vehicles and a drawn streetcar used to transport patrons . . . — — Map (db m67201) HM
One of the earliest businesses in Chillicothe vicinity, this mill ground cracked grains for local needs in the 1860s. The mill was operated by a water wheel on the Thompson River. From the mill came bakers' flour as well as feed for livestock. . . . — — Map (db m156931) HM
The Chillicothe Fire Department mural features historic scenes from 1886 to the 1920s. Chillicothe has a tradition of possessing an effective fire fighting department and the scenes in this mural depict the department's equipment and operation over . . . — — Map (db m67203) HM
1843 • President Tyler deeded this property to Livingston County
1857 • The First Christian Church purchased this lot for $40.00 and built a small church for $2,000.00 which was used jointly by the Baptist Church.
1894 • The property was . . . — — Map (db m67316) HM
Chillicothe's slice of history arrived in 1928 when inventor Otto Rohwedder and Chillicothe baker Frank Bench produced the first loaves of sliced bread. Their invention set into motion the timeless comparison of ingenuity and innovation to "The . . . — — Map (db m66553) HM
This mural was chosen based on an 1890 postcard of Locust Street in its prime. The street scene depicts the original buildings in downtown Chillicothe with the activity of the day. Many of the buildings illustrated in the murals of Chillicothe are . . . — — Map (db m66736) HM
[Clockwise from top left]
Ben Bolt Theatre • City Hall & Fire Dept
Mart Drug [former Leeper Hotel]
County Buildings • Fire Dept. • Leeper Hotel — — Map (db m156935) HM
Located in approximately the same location where the original storefront was situated, the Palace of Fashion Mural showcases a vibrant, early 1900s women's apparel and hat store. The store's merchandise was widely sought out and people traveled . . . — — Map (db m67276) HM
Chillicothe was a point of convergence for three railroads serving northern Missouri, Burlington, Wabash, and later the Milwaukee Road. This mural includes a scene of a steam engine traveling the local countryside in the last years of the 1890s. . . . — — Map (db m67202) HM
This memorial is dedicated in loving honor and memory of
Sherwood and Jean Patek
That those who come hereafter will remember the Shale Hill Brick & Tile Plant in Utica, Missouri which later became the Midland Brick & Tile Co. with . . . — — Map (db m67274) HM
On July 7, 1928, Chillicothe baker Frank Bench and inventor Otto Rohwedder secured Chillicothe Missouri's Slice of History. On this day their bread slicing machine produced the first loaves of sliced bread and made them available on the shelves . . . — — Map (db m66550) HM
In honor of those who have served in our country's wars and in lasting memory of those who gave their lives in freedom's cause on the far flung battlefields of the world this memorial is hereby dedicated. — — Map (db m67302) WM
This memorial is dedicated to these men and women who gave the supreme sacrifice in defense of our great country.
Killed in Action [Honor Roll]
Prisoners of War [Honor Roll]
This memorial is dedicated in honor and memory of area . . . — — Map (db m67303) WM
This mural depicts Webster Street on the north side of the square in downtown Chillicothe circa 1916. Webster Street was well traveled by visitors arriving and departing from the Milwaukee [railroad] depot on the east end of town who might have . . . — — Map (db m90984) HM
Built 1856-57 by the Genesee Valley RR to span the Conesus Outlet. The 200 ft. long x 12 ft. wide limestone bridge was part of the Rochester-Avon-Geneseo-Mt. Morris Line. Avon became a RR hub connecting Buffalo-Rochester-Corning-Hornell. The line . . . — — Map (db m58050) HM
Albert Burke served as Avon town
supervisor, downtown merchant,
World War II veteran, and was a
dedicated husband and father to
nine children. for over 40 years.
He lived and worked "on the
circle at Park Place, as an active
member of the . . . — — Map (db m146489) HM
In the winter of 1865, the Soldiers' Monument Association of Avon was formed with Calvin Knowles, president, John Marsh, secretary, Stephen Hosmer, treasurer. Their purpose was to raise sufficient funds to erect a memorial
that recognized the . . . — — Map (db m145705) HM
John Hubbard Forsyth
born August 10, 1797,
John farmed this land with his father.
After his wife, Deborah, died in 1828,
he left his family in New York
traveling to Kentucky where he joined a
cavalry unit. Later he became a Captain in . . . — — Map (db m125491) HM
Gilbert's Mill built by Thomas Hanna 1808. Rebuilt 1826, sold to CS Gilbert 1855 converted to a dwelling 1954. Also a school, blacksmith, store and distillery. — — Map (db m158913) HM
Farming & industrial community dating from 1800 with a school, blacksmith, grange hall, factories & mills. Chadwick Tavern built 1830. — — Map (db m58049) HM
Organized 1803 as town of Southampton; name changed to Caledonia 1806; Scottish emigrants settled 1799 Village incorporated 1891 — — Map (db m58020) HM
Organized 1803 as town of Southampton; name changed to Caledonia 1806; Scottish emigrants settled 1799 Village incorporated 1891 — — Map (db m58246) HM
In memory of a soldier
of the War of 1812
buried here 1814
My brave lad he sleeps
In his faded coat of blue
In his lonely grave unknown
Lies the heart that beat so true — — Map (db m58244) WM
1817 Seth Green 1888 Father of fish culture in America. World-famed pioneer in conservation, in 1837 devised and here in 1864 developed the artificial propagation of fish. — — Map (db m117022) HM
Conesus Amusement Hall 1888. This property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. Built by Conesus Stockholders. — — Map (db m116982) HM
Gravesite ← of Captain Daniel Shays 1747 - 1825 Captain Shays served with the Continental Army, and was the leader of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts. Shays' Rebellion had a lasting effect on the framing of our Country's Constitution, . . . — — Map (db m116983) HM
Kelleman Log Cabin 1816 This property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. Moved from lot #90 - Route 255. — — Map (db m116979) HM
